Habichuelas con Dulce
A sweet and creamy pink bean pudding, traditionally enjoyed during Lent and Holy Week. It's a beloved dessert that showcases a unique blend of sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried pink beans (habichuelas rosadas)
- 8 cups Water
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk
- 1 cup Sugar(or to taste)
- 2 large Cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole Cloves
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Raisins(optional)
- 1/2 cup Sweet potato (batata)(peeled and finely diced, optional)
- 1/2 cup Evaporated milk(for serving)
- 1 pinch Cinnamon powder(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried pink beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans more tender. - 2
Place the soaked beans in a large pot with 8 cups of fresh water. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are very tender and easily mashable.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes💡 Tip: Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves before proceeding. - 3
Once beans are tender, mash them directly in the pot with a potato masher or blend a portion of them for a creamier consistency. If using sweet potato, add it now and cook until tender.
- 4
Stir in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. If using raisins, add them now. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to your desired pudding consistency.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to scorch the bottom of the pot. - 5
Remove from heat. Let the habichuelas con dulce cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Serve warm or chilled. Pour into individual bowls and top with a splash of evaporated milk and a pinch of cinnamon powder.
💡 Tip: This dessert is often served with 'galletas de leche' (milk crackers).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust sugar to your preference. The sweetness can vary widely.
- ✓For a smoother texture, you can strain the cooked beans before mashing.
- ✓If the pudding becomes too thick, thin it with a little more milk or water.
🔄 Variations
- Add a touch of nutmeg for extra spice.
- Some recipes include a small amount of cornstarch slurry to help thicken.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk.